SIDECARISTS SOMETIMES OVERCHARGED AT TOLL BOOTHS

''Back in the 70's in response to statements from our members, we found that many tollways, toll bridges, toll tunnels, turnpikes, etc., were charging sidecarists up to 50% MORE than the driver of a heavy two axle limo or pickup truck,'' E-mailed Hal Kendall of the UNITED SIDECAR ASSOCIATION. ''Over a period of about five years we worked consistently to bring about a uniform and fair toll not to exceed the rate for a passenger car,'' said Hal. ''We thought we had all tollways in line but it seems that on occasion some will charge a sidecarist as a three axle vehicle.''

The latest, says Hal, was the Harris County Toll Road in Houston. Upon receipt of Hal's letter requesting clarification of their rates, Mr. Bernard Koudelka, Executive Director responded that they will address this issue with all their collection personnel and to charge sidecarists at their private passenger 2-axle rate. Please note that should any sidecarist be charged at a three axle rate for their sidecar to pay the rate requested, to obtain the name & number of the collection agent, the number of the booth, the exit name, the date, time, and direction, and if possible, to get a phone number or address of the tollway concerned.

Then send it to Hal Kendall at hal-kendall@worldnet.att.net for analysis and to get the authority to reverse its overcharging policy. Do not hassle the tollway collection agent. Also, if you're pulling a trailer, expect to be charged the 2-axle rate, plus an additional axle for the trailer. But protest if you are charged for axles, says Hal.